Good handwriting worksheets?

[Kif]

My 4 yo Dd has got really into 'writing'. She occupies herself for ages copying letter shapes. Only thing is - I've noticed she has odd ways of writing some letters (writing from low to high, or mirror writing).

I don't want her to 'fix' bad habits before she starts school. Is there a cheap and cheerful place I can bulk buy some handwriting sheets - the kind where the letters are written out in dots with arrows showing you how you are meant to write them?

There are online sites where you can print them off for free. Just google.

sparklebox.co.uk

fab, fab website full of free downloadable stuff.

I don't think you need worry overly actually. It is good she enjoys playing at writing but I'd hesitate before making a more structured activity of it.

How about playing at drawing out the shapes in sand or finger paint or in icing on cakes and so on. Make them huge on the patio with water and paint brushes or tiny for the ants to read with pointed chalks. The more hands on the better.

After all she will get a lot of handwriting tuition at school, including letter formation.

But for your question...

ELC do some I think, and you can download off web too. I'll link if I get a chance...

I would check what sort of handwriting style they use at your dc's school as well. Cursive script is formed completely differently than single letter formation. You may teach her the wrong thing and that is quite hard to undo.

sigh

Thanks for those.

I keep trying to encourage her to colour-in neatly instead, but she persists in churning out long strings of random letters and letter-like shapes. It's like a friggin' secret code!

Colouring in neatly is over rated - especially for four year olds.

What she currently likes doing on the other hand is well thought of. Encourage her to continue playing in such a good inventive way. Or just let her play and worry about writing when she's a wee bit older.